MISSION:
It is the mission of the CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities to bring about necessary systemic change in order to promote the lives of persons with developmental disabilities. This will assure that the service network is providing persons with developmental disabilities the programs necessary to enable them to achieve their maximum potential
VISION:
People with developmental disabilities will have the opportunity to make choices about where and with whom they live, about the kinds of work and activities they do, and about the services and supports they want and need and where they are provided. They will have control over their own lives.
What is the Council on Developmental Disabilities?
The CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities is established under local statue P.L. 12-10 and federal law (public law 106-402). Our Council is federally funded, self-governing organization charged with identifying the most pressing needs of people with developmental disabilities in our territory. Councils are committed to advancing public policy and systems change that help these individuals gain more control over their lives. There are 56 Councils across the United States and its territories; we work to address identified needs by conducting advocacy, systems change, and capacity building efforts that promote self-determination, integration, and inclusion.
Who Serves on the Council?
The Council is comprised of 25 Governor appointed volunteer members, including people with developmental disabilities, family members, and representatives of public agencies and private organizations that serve people with disabilities.
Who Serves on the Council...
Key activities include conducting outreach, providing training and technical assistance, removing barriers, developing coalitions, encouraging citizen participation, and keeping policymakers informed about disability issues.
“Opening Doors To Independence”
Federal Statue:
The legal authority to establish a Council on Developmental Disabilities in the CNMI is the Developmental Disabilities Assistance & Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (hereafter, the DD Act), Public Law 106-402, as now or hereafter amended.
CNMI Statue:
The Council is created as an executive agency of State government pursuant to the CNMI Executive Order 91-01, as now or hereafter amended. The CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities is established to serve as advocate for persons and their families in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands who have developmental disabilities.
